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Identification of individuals at risk for suicide while under the care of or following discharge from a healthcare organization is an important step in protecting these at-risk individuals. Therefore, it is essential that healthcare professionals are trained and equipped to identify, assess, and intervene with individuals who are at risk of suicide. By providing compassionate and evidence-based care, healthcare organizations can prevent suicide deaths and promote recovery and resilience among individuals and their families. Joint Commission requirements – established as a National Patient Safety Goal – focus on reducing risks for suicide.
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Evaluate and mitigate environmental risks

Conduct thorough assessments to identify and remove or modify physical features that could be used for self-harm, such as anchor points for ligatures, to create a safer environment for patients.
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Recognize and evaluate individuals at risk

Identify patients who may be at risk for suicide through screening tools and clinical assessments, and then determine the appropriate level of care and intervention needed.
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Establish policies and procedures to guide care

Create comprehensive guidelines and protocols to ensure consistent, evidence-based practices for identifying, assessing, and managing patients at risk for suicide.
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Provide safe and effective care focused on suicide risk reduction and prevention

Use research-backed practices and continuous monitoring to ensure that at-risk patients receive the necessary support and treatment to lower their risk.
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Monitor implementation and effectiveness of policies and procedures

Consistently assess process adherence, evaluate outcomes, and make necessary adjustments to promote continuous improvement and patient safety.
,,The majority of people who die by suicide visit a healthcare provider within months before their death. This represents a tremendous opportunity to identify those at risk and connect them with mental health resources.,,

National Institute of Mental Health

11th

leading cause of death¹

49476

Americans died by suicide¹

1600000

Americans attempted suicide¹

135

suicide deaths occur every day¹

¹https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics (SAVE retrieves national suicide statistics from the CDC’s  (WISQARS).

Expert Strategies, Tools & Best Practices

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

The Suicide Risk Reduction Resource Center is designed to help organizations ensure safe and quality care for individuals at risk of suicide, both during their time in a healthcare facility and at discharge. It offers collections of curated resources with actionable strategies and tools to support organizational efforts in complying with the Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal of reducing the risk for suicide
Visit the resource center